Skilled trade jobs are perfect for people who like to solve problems on a daily basis in real situations. A plumbing career provides good wages and strong job safety without the need to attend a four-year university. In addition to how to become a plumber, here are some insights and advice from real trade workers.
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Dan Quinonez is the executive director of the PHCC Educational Foundation, providing programs to plumbers at all levels of their profession. “We know that college is not for everyone, so today we aim to see more high school students take alternative career paths. In particular, tuition costs money as a four-year degree rise and job stability becomes a big concern,” he said.
“With so many plumbers retire and few people will replace them, we need to find skilled workers who can meet the pipeline and meet the demand. Other industries offer young people in their teens or early 20s the opportunity to learn skilled trade from high school and receive skilled training while receiving job training. Soon – it continues to evolve and just keeps getting more advanced, opening the door for tech-savvy individuals who want to make a difference in the world.”
How to become a plumber FAQ
What is a plumber?
Plumbers install, maintain and repair water, drainage and gas plumbing systems in residential, commercial and industrial settings. The plumber’s title is as follows:
Journeyman Plumber Residential Plumber Steamfitter Pipe Fitter Plumbing Inspector
On a typical day, plumbers may spend time installing or repairing plumbing systems, bathroom fixtures, and water heaters. They may also connect household appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers, maintain sewer and drainage systems, and use gas lines on stoves and heaters. They often work in construction sites, homes and industrial facilities.
Why become a plumber?
Plumbing jobs, like many other skilled deals, are always in high demand and their revenue potential is fantastic. The average wage rate is around $30/hour (approximately $60,000 per year), but experienced plumbers often get much more, often, at a maximum of $50 per hour, in some cases. (Salary figures are on Chere.com as of March 2025.)
“Plumbers are currently in high demand due to a continuous shortage of skilled workers in the industry,” explains Kinones. “We expect the US to be more than half a million plumbers by 2027, an incredible number considering how important the profession is to ensure clean and safe drinking water.”
“He continues: “What’s impressive is how advantageous this job is for young people who may be considering a career in plumbing. Plumbing professionals can earn a salary without burdening university debt, and even move forward as an owner as a presumer, project manager, or employer. Apprentices will withdraw their salary.”
What does a plumber do?
“People always think that plumber jobs are fixing toilets,” says Dan. “Well, it’s not just them! That’s more. That’s more. Contractors speaking from the Association of Piping Heating and Cooling Contractors share the pride they feel after installing new plumbing systems or repairing false pipes. The installation of toilets, sinks, water heaters… The list goes on.”
Dan is also passionate about the important importance of this career, now and in the future. “Plumbers play an important role in public health and environmental protection. And one day isn’t always the same as the next. They are seen as experts in sustainability, energy efficiency and water infrastructure. With technology moving as quickly as the past few years, plumbers and HVAC technicals can learn how to use, maintain, maintain, and maintain how to maintain, change the industry.”
What skills do you need to be a plumber?
According to Dan, “To make it in the plumbing, heating and cooling industry, you need to be able to analyze and solve problems. You have the aptitude for using computers, automation, diagnostic equipment and fixing things. Plumbing requires many specific skills that are excellent on the occupational site.
“For those with a high aptitude in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), there is a wide range of opportunities to use those skills in the plumbing profession,” emphasizes Dan. “Whether you’re sizing the pipe correctly or designing a fluid handling system, everything is used in this task, from algebra and geometry to physics, CAD, drafts, and reading blueprints.”
Don’t know if plumbing is the right carrier for you? Dan invites interested high school students and others to take the free PHCC Academy Workforce Preparation Course. Find out more about the plumbing industry and whether it is the right career path for you.
Do plumbers need a university degree?
Most plumbers will earn a high school diploma or equivalent, then complete a special training or apprenticeship program. In most states, plumbers must pass their license exams at the end of the training year and then become journeyman plumbers.
How long does it take to become a plumber?
On average, it takes about 5-6 years to become a licensed plumber. But for most of that, apprentice plumbers learn at work while earning their pay!
How to Become a Plumber: Process Overview
Trade or Technical School (optional)
Some people choose to enroll in a trade or vocational school program to begin the process of becoming a plumber. These classes will teach you the technical information you need for your career and prepare you for a more successful apprentice. Trade schools often help future plumbers find apprentices, making the process a little easier.
In some districts, high school students can participate in career and technical education (CTE) programs as part of acquiring a high school diploma. When they graduate, they are ready to start their paid apprenticeships without having to pay for the trade school.
Future plumbers can also complete formal training courses at home from locations such as the PHCC Academy or other plumbing schools. This is a great option for high school students who do not offer applicable CTE courses by the district.
Apprentice (Practical Training)
Whether you attend trading school or not, all new plumbers need apprentices. Typically, to become a journeyman plumber, you need around 4-5 years of full-time on-site training. Apprentice plumbers generally earn a salary from the start and increase as they gain skills and knowledge.
Find apprentice opportunities in USA.
Journeyman License Exam
At the end of the apprentice, the candidate will take the state licensing exam. (Some states do not license plumbers at the state level. Check the state requirements for more information.) These exams cover plumbing codes and regulations, safety procedures, blueprint readings, and other plumbing skills. After passing these exams, the apprentice is officially a Journeyman plumber and is allowed to work on his own without supervision.
Professional development opportunities
Some people remain at the journeyman level throughout their careers, while others decide to earn higher certifications and become a master plumber or obtain a contractor license. This allows you to oversee the plumbing teams of apprentices and journeymen, as well as design plumbing systems and schematics. Such advanced skills mean higher pay, or even the opportunity to open your own plumbing business.
PHCC Director Dan Quinonez offers these final thoughts. “For those who enjoy working with their hands, it’s a wise choice to provide stable employment, regardless of how the economy is going on.
